An announcement posted on the R&B singer’s Facebook page explained that he had developed vocal cord edema and a vocal cord hemorrhage.  

“I know this sucks but after many months of recording I’ve temporarily damaged my voice,” Maxwell said. “I’ve had issues before during other tours, but was able to power through. I’ve been strongly advised to rest and undergo treatment. I look forward to hopefully seeing you next on our full fledged tour, when the sequel to the BLACKSUMMERS’NIGHT trilogy is released. My deepest apologies to those who made the effort to try and see the show. Love and Thanks, M”

The dates, made up of two-night stands in California, Georgia and New Jersey, were supposed to be his first shows since 2010. Maxwell had planned on performing his first four albums in their entirety in each city, with the first night devoted to 1996’s Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite and 1998’s Embrya, followed by 2001’s Now and 2009’s BLACKsummers’night.

The shows were scheduled July 20-21 at Los Angeles’ Staples Center; July 27-28 at Atlanta’s Philips Arena; and Aug. 3-4 in Newark, N.J., at the Prudential Center.

Tickets purchased online or over the phone will be automatically credited to your credit card. Refunds are available at the point of purchase.

Click here for Maxwell’s Facebook page.